Book excerpt: Ella's Birthday Wish is the story of a talented girl celebrating her tenth birthday who has dreams of becoming a dancer. But this birthday is unlike all her other birthdays because her Dad is stationed in Afghanistan. In an effort to grapple with having her father at war and her mother having to handle everything in his absence, she finds love and support from her grandmother. With this loving support, Ella is able once again to give love and support back to her family when they really need it the most. As Ella's summer birthday approaches, she wishes for only one very special gift: to hear from her Dad while he is stationed in Afghanistan. Will she get her wish? Will her father return safely to her family when he completes his tour of duty? Ella's Birthday Wish is a heartwarming story that is for anybody who has had a family member away at war. This book is a reminder of the sacrifices that are made by military families when a family member is on active duty. Ella's Birthday Wish will inspire you to celebrate the important events in life despite the adversity and challenging times that affect us all.